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Copenhagen Live 2026

Pilot briefing

Arrive prepared. Keep Copenhagen moving.

Practical guidance for a smooth flight during Copenhagen Live 2026.

Departure briefing

Departing Copenhagen

From preparing your flight to contacting Departure, follow each stage in order.

  1. Before connecting

    Preparation

    Have the information and tools you will need ready before joining the network. Having these at hand will help you get a smooth start and avoid delays for yourself and others.

    Charts
    Be sure to have your charts ready and within reach. You can use either Navigraph Charts or the free charts provided by VATSIM Scandinavia.
    Stand selection
    Use tools like VATSIM Radar or similar to find an available stand that suits the aircraft you intend to fly. Avoid stands that are already occupied by other flights or that do not fit your aircraft.
    Flight plan and timing
    File your flight plan in advance. We recommend using SimBrief or a similar tool to generate a realistic flight plan. Make sure your EOBT is accurate and that you are ready to depart within five minutes of your TOBT.
    Know your aircraft
    Be sure to familiarize yourself with the aircraft you intend to fly. You must be able to adhere to instructions given by ATC. If you are in doubt, choose another aircraft.

  2. Clearance delivery

    Receive your IFR/VFR clearance

    Prior to requesting your clearance, ensure you have the latest ATIS information. The ATIS provides information that is essential for your flight out of Copenhagen. Requesting your clearance can be done via either the delivery frequency or by PDC, if your aircraft supports it.

    The delivery frequency is expected to be busy during the event. We therefore highly recommend that you use PDC to request your clearance when possible.

    Kastrup Delivery
    119.905 MHz
    PDC logon code
    EKCH

  3. CDM and TOBT

    Confirm when you will be ready

    Copenhagen uses Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) to build an efficient departure sequence. We use the Estimated Off-Block Time (EOBT) that you have filed in your flight plan to determine when your flight is expected to be ready.

    We highly encourage that you confirm your Target Off-Block Time (TOBT) as soon as possible, as this decides your position in the departure sequence and is used to calculate your Target Start-up Approval Time (TSAT).

    You can expect to receive your push/start-up clearance ±5 minutes of your TSAT. Missing this window may result in a delay for your flight as it puts you at the back of the sequence.

    Confirm your TOBT

  4. Startup queue

    Wait for startup approval

    Even when you are fully ready, expect a queue for startup and pushback. ATC combines your confirmed TOBT with runway capacity and the developing traffic sequence.

    Remain on frequency and do not start or push until the controller clears you to do so.

    Monitor your TSAT time

  5. Pushback

    Push to a release point

    In Copenhagen you can expect to be instructed to push to a release point. A release point is a marked location or point on the taxiway to which aircraft are pushed. These are used to keep the taxiways clear and to avoid congestion on the apron.

    VATSIM Scandinavia has published a GSX profile that includes the release points. Please advise ATC if you are unable to perform the customized pushback.

  6. Taxi and takeoff

    Taxiing to the runway

    The layout of Copenhagen is old and complex. Familiarize yourself with the layout and avoid causing delays to yourself or others by taxiing the wrong way. You can find the standard taxi routes on the VATSIM Scandinavia Wiki.

    You should expect to be given a holding point when you approach the runway. This is done to allow ATC to sequence the departures as efficiently as possible by making use of wake turbulence and SID separation.

    View the standard taxi routes

  7. After takeoff

    Contact Kastrup Departure

    You are now airborne and on your way. In Copenhagen we simulate automatic handovers to Kastrup Departure. You should contact the appropriate departure frequency, unless ATC instructs you otherwise. Please refer to your charts for the correct frequency.

    Kastrup Departure
    120.255 / 124.980 MHzUse the frequency listed for your SID on the current chart.

Need a quick answer?

Frequently asked questions

What is the initial climb?

Follow the initial climb published for your cleared SID unless ATC assigns a different altitude. Check the current chart before departure and ask Delivery if anything is unclear.

I've received a release point. What should I do?

Push to the marked release point specified by ATC and stop there as instructed. Advise the controller before pushing if your aircraft or pushback setup cannot perform the customized movement.

What should I do if I am unsure?

Stop before entering a runway or continuing an unclear taxi route, then ask ATC to repeat or clarify the instruction.

What should I do after the vector fix?

Continue on the specified downwind heading until Copenhagen Approach turns you toward final or clears you for the approach. Leave the route discontinuity in place and do not connect the transition to the ILS or turn onto final on your own.

If in doubt, ask ATC. We are here to help.

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